Hearing of June 12, 2008
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At the hearing be sure to come on time and expect this to be an all day event. If your name is called and you are not there, the chair will go on to the next person.
It is best if you are represented by an attorney, but if you are not, be as prepared as you can. If you get very nervous speaking in public, think about having a prepared statement and practice reading it. Memorize it if you can.
It is expected that you will be nervous, but stay calm.
Keep in mind that the Board has read your entire Petition A. Often, they have made a preliminary judgment based on your materials. You should try to not repeat information already submitted, although it may be good to summarize; instead, this is the time to show the Board your sincerity. Key points:
Admit your mistake and acknowledge your crime. Emphasize that you have paid for your mistake. Keep in mind th Board is not here to relitigate your conviction.
Background on your childhood and growing up, if it was difficult. While you should not blame your childhood for your actions, it may be helpful to show how you've grown and become a better person despite it.
Reiterate why you are seeking a pardon. It should not just be, "because I want to stay in the US." Your reasons will need to be more compelling. Have you built community ties, started a family, want to help others?
Emphasize the change you have made in your life and the lives of others since your conviction.
Tell the board why a pardon from the Governor is absolutely necessary.
Share with the board your plans should you be granted a pardon and alternatively, what could await you if you are deported.
After you have finished, the Chair will allow others to speak on your behalf. Your supporters should tell the board how they know you and how you have impacted their life or the lives of others. It's best to limit those speaking on your behalf to about 3 people and have them keep their comments brief.
After everyone has spoken, the board will have an opportunity to ask you questions directly. Answer honestly and directly. The questions of course, will depend on the circumstances of your case. You should brainstorm the kinds of questions that might be asked. The type of questions might be:
What made you decide to turn your life around?
Are you currently in removal proceedings?
What will happen to you should you be deported to your native country?
The Board will then discuss among themselves the merits of the petition. A board member will then move to either recommend or deny that the Governor should grant a pardon. Another board member will need to 'second' the motion. Once it has been seconded, it will be put to a vote of the full board. A majority of the board needs to vote yes to recommend to the Governor that she grant the pardon.
If the motion fails, or not enough board members vote yes, then your petition will not be sent to the Governor's office. You will not be allowed to reapply again for a hearing unless there have been significant changes to your situation. Generally, the board will state their reasons for why they cannot support a recommendation to grant a pardon.
If the motion passes, that means that the Board will recommend to the Governor that she grant the pardon. Keep in mind that just because the Board has voted yes to make a recommendation does not mean that a pardon will be granted.